Austin Mathews

[Devlin]

Not a leafs fan. Seems like a good move.

[mooneyes]

I think his career average is around 85 points per season but I guess he is a super star.

[30ranfordfan]

He's a smart dude. Understands how to max out his career earnings. He'll be 30 when the extension is over, and will be able to sign for even more $$$ for another 5-8 years (whatever he wants to do).

It's a good deal for the Leafs too. I don't think Matthews is necessarily a lock as a "top 5" player in the league - but he's really close.... and IMO a top 10 for sure. The cap will start to climb again, and this kind of $$$ is fine for a Superstar.

[pwskelly]

Matthews recognizes that he is in a prime market for additional earnings potential. Can you imagine the additional marketing opportunities a player like McDavid would have in Toronto? While he could have squeezed the Leafs for more, Matthews understands that others need to get paid and I do think he cares about his legacy.

[30ranfordfan]

Yup. He'll be the highest paid player in the league for about a year. Maybe two. His number will fall behind a handful of players by the time the deal is up, but of everything goes right (he keeps producing at the same rate) he'll get another deal that pays even more.

I thought the Leafs were nuts on the last deal (he took no discount, and only signed for 5 years). This time? An 8 year deal probably costs $120m (15 per) but he took shorter term, and a smaller amount.

Not sure they'll be able to keep Nylander.... but that was always going to be a problem (he's looking at 10+)

Matthews recognizes that he is in a prime market for additional earnings potential. Can you imagine the additional marketing opportunities a player like McDavid would have in Toronto? While he could have squeezed the Leafs for more, Matthews understands that others need to get paid and I do think he cares about his legacy.